At a glance

Your chance to

Meander through the valleys of the Coffee Zone

Explore the colonial jewel of Cartagena

Enjoy Tayrona National Park's beautiful coastal scenery

At a glance

9 nights hotels in en suite rooms, 2 nights in hammock (with option to stay in tent or upgrade to cabanas) with shared facilities (Land only clients can arrive a day earlier and have that extra night included)

Travel by internal flight and private minibus

Some moderate walks

From Andean peaks to the Caribbean Sea, explore the vibrant culture and diverse scenery which make up Colombia

Haciendas dot coffee-covered hills, cobbled streets are flanked by colourful houses in colonial towns, and gentle waves lap beaches that meet with verdant jungles. This is Colombia, a vast country still largely undiscovered despite its amazing variety of landscapes, sights and culture. On this journey through highlands and lowlands we experience the contrast between lively and cosmopolitan Bogota and colonial Cartagena and the welcoming countryside. We amble through the rolling hills of the Zona Cafetal and Villa de Leyva and take time out to relax in hammocks and explore the Caribbean beaches of Tayrona National Park.

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Bogota

There are no included activities today and you are free to arrive any time. There will be a message waiting with information about tomorrow’s activities when the rest of the group and the leader arrive. (it is also possible to arrive in the morning of day 2).See more images and videos

2Day 2Bogota - Candelaria tour

Passengers on the group flights arrive early this morning and are transferred to the hotel in the historical Candelaria district. The morning to recuperate from the overnight flight or, for those feeling more energetic, explore the colonial streets around the hotel. Whilst we will have a walking tour of La Candelaria this afternoon (see next paragraph) you may wish to visit the Botero Art Museum (which features works by Colombia’s greatest living painter/sculptor), the Casa de la Moneda (the old mint) or catch the cable car or funicular up to the top of Monseratte for spectacular views over the city and surrounding hills.
It was here that the city of Bogota was first founded in 1538. We have a walking tour taking in the main buildings around the historic centre including the Plaza Bolivar, which is surrounded by the main government and judicial buildings as well as the Cathedral Primada. We will learn about the history of Bogota and the people who inhabit this amazing city, and visit the famous Gold Museum, home to the largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold in the world.
See more images and videos

3Day 3To Villa de Leyva, visiting Salt Cathedral en route.

We leave Bogota this morning and drive for about an hour and a half to Zipaquira, where we visit the unique Salt Cathedral. This subterranean church was carved out of the salt bedrock in an old salt mine. We will have a guided tour of the cathedral, following the elaborately carved stations of the cross to reach the main part of the cathedral, which has capacity for over 8000 worshippers. We should arrive at the colonial town of Villa de Leyva, where we arrive in the late afternoon.See more images and videos

4Day 4Walking tour of Villa de Leyva; free afternoon to explore the area.

This morning we will have a walking tour of Villa de Leyva, taking in the main plaza and the most important and significant colonial buildings. We will also get an insight into the town's history and the local culture. The afternoon has been left free for further exploration of the town's cobbled streets and craft shops, or to simply relax in one of the laid-back cafes. Alternatively, an optional excursion is available to see El Fosil, an incredibly well preserved 12-metre long fossilised Kronosaurus discovered by a local farmer and housed in a small museum close to town, or go for a hike in the nearby hills.See more images and videos

5Day 5Drive and fly to 'Coffee Zone'.

We drive back to Bogota today to catch a short flight to either Pereira or Armenia, in the heart of Colombia's 'Coffee Zone'. From here itï¿½s a fairly short drive to the quaint town of Salento, a municipality in the north eastern part of the department of Quindï'o. It was the first settlement in Quindï'o of modern times dating back to 1850, and the first municipality founded in the department. This picturesque town boasts a number of fine houses of traditional architectural style. Rimmed by distant snow-capped mountains Salento has a real rural traditional feel. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel, and the remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Today we visit the Cocora Valley. Part of the wider Parque Nacional Los Nevados, the Cocora Valley is located on the eastern limits of Quindío along the central Andean range, near the small town of Salento. The valley has a unique landscape like a lush version of a Swiss valley. It has been regarded by Colombia as a sanctuary for its national symbol; the Wax palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense). The Palms cover the Mountain range, which is now protected and declared monument to protect the tree itself and the endemic species that depend on it. The valley is spectacular and great for walking. This stunning mountain scenery will not fail to impress. We will be transported by local willys – synonymous with this region these jeeps still have the same design which made them famous during WWII.See more images and videos

7Day 7Coffee plantation tour.

This morning we visit a coffee plantation near our hotel, where we will find out about the whole production process from seedling to cup, as well as learning about the trials and tribulations of the plantations themselves and the many workers who rely on coffee for their livelihoods. Naturally, cups of coffee will be in plentiful supply throughout our visit! The tour will take a good portion of the day, the rest of the day is free to explore on your own.See more images and videos

8Day 8Fly to Cartagena on the Caribbean coast.

Today we return to Armenia or Pereira airport to board our flight via Bogota to Cartagena, where we stay in a small characterful hotel close to the historic walled city. The heat and humidity will probably be a bit of a shock to the system on arrival and flight times can be changeable, so the afternoon has been left open for us to adjust to the change in temperature.

This morning we explore the beautiful colonial centre of Cartagena on foot, wandering through its narrow streets and colourful plazas to discover some of its historical gems, including the Puerta del Reloj (clock tower gate), Plaza de los Coches, Plaza Bolivar, and the church of San Pedro Claver. After a break for lunch and an escape from the heat of the day, we resume our tour of the city this afternoon with visits to San Felipe Fortress and La Popa Monastery. San Felipe dominates the old town and is the largest Spanish fort in the Americas, and its solid construction allowed Colombian forces to successfully defend the city against frequent attacks in the 17th and 18th centuries. La Popa is a fortified monastery dramatically perched on a hilltop overlooking the city and offers fantastic views as well as an insight into Cartagena's religious and cultural life from the colonial era to the modern day.See more images and videos

10Day 10Free day to explore Cartagena some more.

Today has been left free for further exploration of the city, or for some time to relax on the nearby beaches of Bocagrande. Alternatively, you may wish to take an optional cruise to Isla del Encanto (Enchanted Island) in the Rosario Islands. The island is surrounded by coral reefs, and snorkelling equipment is available to hire so that you can discover the incredibly diverse fish species which are supported by the reef. There is also an aquarium on the island, as well as opportunities to swim and kayak.See more images and videos

11Day 11Drive to Tayrona N.P. via mud volcano.

We drive out of Cartagena early this morning towards Tayrona National Park, stopping en route at Totumo mud volcano, where we have the chance to bathe in therapeutic mud. We should arrive at the park gates by late afternoon and from there we have an hour's walk through the jungle to get to the pristine beaches. If you do not want to carry your own luggage for the walk to the hammocks mules can be rented locally at a small fee. We will spend the night in thatched huts sleeping in hammocks, an authentic Colombian beach experience. There is the option to upgrade to a Cabana (which you'll have to pre-book) though it is worth trying out the hammocks as it is a great experience and your leader will demonstrate how to sleep comfortably in a hammock.See more images and videos

12Day 12Full day to relax on tropical beaches or hike to forest-clad ruins.

A full day in Tayrona National Park, one of the most beautiful in Colombia. You can relax or explore the park at your leisure. There are a series of beaches stretching westwards from our hammock hut, ranging from secluded coves to long stretches of tempting sand or there is the option of visiting the pre-Columbian ruins of Pueblito.See more images and videos

13Day 13Return to Bogota where the trip ends.

We leave the park the same way we came and head to Santa Marta to catch our flight to Bogota arriving in time for the evening flight to London. If not travelling on the group flights please be aware that you will probably not be back in Bogota till at least 17:00. The land only portion of the trip ends upon returning in Bogota. The group flight departs this evening.See more images and videos

Your images

Guided Group

This is a small group guided holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are healthy, enjoy the outdoors and want a relaxing trip. No experience is required.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 2 lunches

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels & Hammocks

In Tayrona National Park we stay in hammocks strung up in thatched shelters - we may be sleeping in the same communal space as others not on the Exodus trip. Locker facilities are provided for valuables and there are basic washing and shower facilities at the site along with places to eat and drink. Sleeping in hammocks is a great experience and a lot more comfortable than you might think. Your leader will show you the best way to sleep comfortably in a hammock. There is the option to upgrade to a cabana, though the latter has to be pre-booked (The price for the cabana is the same whether it is for a single or a twin-share – in other words the price of the upgrade is £100 per person sharing or £200 for a single). (Plese note the park no longer have tents so it is no longer possible to sleep in a tent rather than the hammock).
Elsewhere we stay in hotels, all with en suite.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most European countries do not require a visa and will be granted a 90-day entry permit on arrival. Please ensure you have at least 3 blank pages in your passport.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Yellow Fever. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Holiday style

Although we do not have any significantly long drives and road conditions are generally good, there are a lot of winding roads in the mountainous central regions, and those with acute travel sickness should be well prepared with suitable medication. These roads can occasionally be closed due to landslides and this can lead to delays - our local agents will do all possible to make sure we visit all the places listed if this occurs.
We spend two nights in Tayrona National Park sleeping in hammocks (though there is the option of sleeping in a tent or upgrading to a cabana). Accommodation is in thatched shelters, sharing with non-Exodus clients, and there are safety deposit boxes available for you to leave your valuables for this night. Although it is possible to stay outside the park and take a day trip to visit its beaches, nearby beach resorts such as Taganga have recently gained a reputation as backpacker party towns, and the hammock stay offers a more authentic and relaxing Caribbean experience and is a highlight of the trip.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts and 2 lunches.
Please note that Colombia is not very vegetarian friendly, especially in rural areas, as meat forms a major part of the diet and many soups are often made with a meat base or products. However in Bogota and Cartagena there are a wide range or restaurant and eating choices, to cater to all needs. Breakfast is provided everyday and is usually eggs (fried, boiled or scrambled), bread or arepas (thick corn pancakes), local cheese, tea or coffee and a fruit juice. In Tayrona National Park the principal restaurant has a great menu of locally caught fish, with meat and vegetable options.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

Bogota and Villa de Leyva are warm during the day but temperatures can drop quite significantly at night and rains occur at any time of the year. In the coffee region the climate is warmer during the days but again can be cooler in the evenings. We visit the high Andes, where weather is very unpredictable and can range from warm and sunny to cold and snowy in the space of a few hours. On the Caribbean coast the weather is generally hot and humid year-round.

Gallery

Reviews & community

My first group tour &amp; my first time to South America.
A well organised and interesting trip.
Nice group of people from all over the UK and Europe from various backgrounds and age groups.
Very informative site seeing tour with easy walks within national parks, coffee regions and city locations.
Enough time on your own if needed to look around, yet always felt part of the group.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Salento in the coffee region.
One of the most beautiful Village's and location I've travelled to.
Small independent coffee grower tour that shows how a small family business survives in a very competitive global market. Very interesting, educational and enjoyable tour!

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was fantastic

Always on hand to answer questions or assist you when needed.

Very informative and articulate

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Book the trip as soon as you can.................

Don't book a hammock at the end of your trip in the Tayrona national park, people were bitten quite badly by insects. Upgrade to a Cabana instead.

This trip is ideal for someone caught up in the western world with bad media coverage. Colombia is anything but dangerous and scary. This place stole my heart and this Exodus tour captured just a small portion of Colombia's natural beauty.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Being grounded in Bogota for 2 additional nights due to farming protests and roadblocks restricted us from travelling to Villa De Leyva, which enabled me to see, firsthand, the people's resistance against its own government.

Waking up surrounded by mountains in Manizales at the Palestina Ecohotel left me breathless.

Arriving in the Caribbean, in beautiful Cartagena and being welcomed by a wet, yet very warm tropical storm. The rain at no point could get in the way of this perfect city.

Tayrona NP and the hammock experience ! Apart from the hammock not being the most comfortable bedding I’ve ever slept in, this experience is unforgettable - as you fall asleep to the sound of wildlife and nature. Topped off the following day by a swim at a pristine, secluded beach. Absolute paradise !

What did you think of your group leader?

Juan really was perfect for this trip. He is so passionate about his country and is incredibly experienced. His local knowledge in all cities was the best I’d ever had on any tour. He knew the best restaurants (very well priced), hideouts and most importantly he knew where to find the best coffee. He became one of the group members early on yet remained aware of each group member's whereabouts at all times. There's no doubting our experience was made better with Juan leading the way !!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Remember, Colombia is only just opening up to tourists ! Be flexible for itinerary changes, lack of water pressure and on the odd occasion, no hot water (Mostly in the Caribbean areas)

Take a wet proof jacket and a lot of sunscreen. The climate is very different from North to South.

**IMPORTANT ADVICE** DO NOT go horse riding in the Cocora Valley !! This is the alternative to a 5 hour hike and not worth the risk even if you are an experienced rider. It is very wet, slippery, muddy, rocky and STEEP terrain. It's certainly not the best ground to fall on, let alone from a further 2 meters up !! (Pack hiking shoes)

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Although this tour doesn’t include places like Cali, Medellin, San Andres, Providencia, San Agustin, Popayan, the Amazon, Ciudad Perdida etc etc etc. it STILL offers so much !! Take some extra time and see more if you need to, or simply go back the following year.

The trip was varied and Colombia is a great country, but you need to be flexible and understanding to potential changes.We had a few issues due to strikes (by the farmers and lorry drivers) and a few flight delays, but the trip leader did everything he could to ensure our safety and that we were kept aware of the frequently changing situations which were out of the control of anyone.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The intensity of the electrical storms in the Coffee Region and Tayrona National Park. Colombia and it's people are lovely and there is wide variations between the different regions, it really is magical.

What did you think of your group leader?

Juan took a lot of time to ensure we are all OK and looked after. He did an amazing job at helping us at restuarants to ensure we all ordered what we wanted and had separate bills.

Juan talked a lot about Colombia, it's people and cultures and was very knowledgeable.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

I have heard great things about Colombian food?

Breakfast is provided everyday and is usually eggs (fried, boiled or scrambled), bread or arepas (thick corn pancakes), local cheese, tea or coffee and a fruit juice. In the finca where all meals are provided you get a good mix of Colombian dishes principally rice, frijoles (local beans), meat, salad and vegetables, often accompanied by a soup. In Tayrona National Park the principal restaurant has a great menu of locally caught fish, with meat and vegetable options. Please note that Colombia is not very vegetarian friendly, especiallyin rural areas, as meat forms a major part of the diet and many soups are often made with a meat base or products. However in Bogota and Cartagena there are a wide range or restaurant and eating choices, tocater to all needs.

Karol Rogacki - Americas Operations

Is Colombia expensive?

A set lunch or dinner in a local restaurant will cost about US$6, and a la carte dinner in European standard restaurants can cost US$18 or more. Soft drinks and bottled water cost approximately US$1 and beers in a medium scale bar or restaurant between US$3 and US$4. Note that it is only possible to buy small measures ('tragos') of spirits in larger restaurants and bars, whereas smaller places will only sell spirits in half litre or full litre bottles. Please note that in many restaurant a 16% sales can be added to the bill on top of menu prices, tips are also sometimes added to bills and so your final bill in an upmarket restaurant can be as much as 25% higher than the menu price - it's always best to double check the menu before ordering and also your bill when it arrives!

Tim Fearn - Product Manager

What clothing is best for this part of the Americas?

It can get hot and sweaty here at times, so lightweight cotton (or quick-drying fabrics) is best as a starting point! Long sleeved shirts and trousers will help prevent mosquito bites, especially in the evenings when they could be buzzing around. You should also take a jacket and/or sweater for evenings, as it will cool down. Essential kit includes some sunglasses and a sunhat, along with good sunscreen. A lightweight waterproof jacket or rain poncho is optional, as you can get some tropical rain here now and again!

Karol Rogacki - Americas Operations

Are dollars best for this trip?

Yes, taking a mix of dollar denominations is the best idea for this trip. Taking cash is fine, as long you exercise the same degree of common sense you would at home. The leader will best advise you on changing it once you arrive. ATMs are becoming more common but you shouldn't rely on them 100%, in case there are any problems.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

The night of day 11 of the trip is spent in Tayrona N.P. Am I correct in assuming that the bulk of the luggage is left behind an

We have 2 options and really clients can choose which ever one they think best suits them.

Firstly we can swing by the Aluna hotel in Santa Marta and quickly drop off big bags and store then there until pax arrive back to this hotel the night after the park, its a slight detour but 25 minutes max. So if pax want they can pack a day pack for the park in the morning and the rest of their gear they can leave at the hotel in Santa Marta ready for their return after the hammock night.

Alternatively if clients want ALL their gear with them then they can either carry it the 40 minutes or so down the trail to the hammock site or hire a horse to take them/thier luggage. At the hammock area there is locker facilities so lock stuff away. You will need your own padlock.

Is travel through Colombia difficult?

Although we do not have any significantly long drives and road conditions are generally good, there are a lot of winding roads in the mountainous central regions, and those with acute travel sickness should be well prepared with suitable medication. These roads can occasionally be closed due to landslides and this can lead to delays - our local agents will do all possible to make sure we visit all the places listed if this occurs.

Karol Rogacki - Americas Operations

Do I need a visa for Colombia?

Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most European countries do not require a visa and will be granted a 90-day entry permit on arrival. Please ensure you have at least 3 blank pages in your passport.

It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit.

Dan Cockburn - Product Manager

I'm travelling via the US, do I need a visa?

Most clients are eligible to travel via the US under the US Visa Waiver Programme, however to do this you must register for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). This must be done prior to departure - more details can be found at www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa.

Rebecca Caldicott - Customer Operations

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

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